Arpacioglu, SelimErzincan, ErkalErgelen, MineArpacioglu, BeyzaPaltun, Salih CihatYalcin, MuratBilici, Rabia2024-09-112024-09-1120242077-0383https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133974https://hdl.handle.net/11363/8083Background/Objectives: Despite the availability of effective pharmacotherapy and evidence-based treatments, a substantial proportion of smokers do not seek treatment. This study aims to explore the cognitive distortions associated with not seeking evidence-based smoking cessation treatment and to identify cognitive barriers. Methods: The research conducted in Istanbul between October and December 2017 employs a cross-sectional design and includes two groups: a treatment-seeking group comprising 156 patients diagnosed with tobacco use disorder and a non-treatment seeking group of 78 patients with tobacco use disorder who had never sought professional help for smoking cessation. A comprehensive data collection process was used, including sociodemographic information, cognitive distortion assessment using the cognitive distortions scale, a smoking-related cognitive distortions interview and the Fagerstr & ouml;m Test for Nicotine Dependence. Results: While no significant sociodemographic differences were observed between the treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking groups, the study found that higher nicotine dependence was associated with a higher likelihood of seeking treatment. The treatment-seeking group displayed significantly higher levels of all-or-nothing thinking cognitive distortions related to smoking and smoking cessation. Conversely, the non-treatment-seeking group exhibited elevated levels of cognitive distortions such as labeling, mental filtering, should statements and minimizing the positive regarding receiving smoking cessation treatment. Conclusions: Understanding the cognitive distortions associated with treatment-seeking behavior for tobacco use disorder is crucial for developing targeted public-based interventions, public service announcements for tobacco use prevention and encouraging individuals to seek evidence-based treatment. Addressing these cognitive distortions can also potentially enhance the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs and reduce the global burden of tobacco-related diseases and mortality.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccesssmoking cessationtobacco use disordernicotine addictioncognitive distortionmisperceptionseeking treatmenttreatment utilizationArticle131310.3390/jcm13133974389995382-s2.0-85198371912WOS:001269883900001N/A